What to Do with Your Clothing After a Closet Detox

You’ve done it—you’ve finally parted ways with the clothes that no longer serve you, and your wardrobe is now a breath of fresh air, easy to navigate and oh-so-organized. But what about all those clothes that didn’t make the cut? Don’t worry; tossing them in the trash isn’t your only option (and it shouldn’t be!). Let’s explore some eco-friendly ways to deal with your pre-loved items.

While many guides focus on how to declutter your closet, they often overlook what to do with the stuff you’re saying goodbye to. But just throwing old clothes away isn’t good enough. Not only is textile recycling still a major challenge—only 13.6% of the 12.8 million tons of clothing waste generated in the US in 2017 was recycled, according to the EPA—but much of what we discard ends up in developing countries, where it can cause serious environmental and health issues as it decomposes improperly. Plus, what you don’t need anymore might be exactly what someone else is looking for!

So, what are your options? Let’s break down the piles you might have after your closet detox:

at are your options? Let’s break down the piles you might have after your closet detox:

• Seasonal: Items you’ll bring back out later in the year.
• Keepsakes: Sentimental pieces that you might keep for memories.
• Repair: Clothes you love but need a little TLC.
• For Sale: Items that could fetch some cash.
• Home: Comfy clothes perfect for lounging or working from home.
• Give Away: Things you can pass on to friends or family.
• Donate: Clothes in good condition that could benefit others.
• Recycle: Items that are truly at the end of their life.

Seasonal

Store these items somewhere accessible but out of the way until they’re needed again. Consider using vacuum-sealed storage bags like Spacesaver, which can be easily tucked under the bed.

Keepsakes

For those items with sentimental value that you’ll probably never wear again, why not turn them into something special? Companies like Project Repat and Too Cool T-shirt Quilts can transform your old clothes into cozy quilts or fun memorabilia pieces—like Beyoncé’s sequin dress displayed at Hard Rock Cafe!

Repair

Don’t give up on slightly damaged items! Set aside a “DIY Repair Box” for those clothes that need a bit of mending. Simple fixes like replacing a button or fixing a seam can give them new life. Not feeling crafty? Take them to a tailor for professional repairs.

Donate

The donate pile is often the biggest after a closet detox. Many thrift stores, like Goodwill, accept gently used clothing, but remember, not everything makes it to the sales floor. A significant amount is sent overseas, where it may or may not be used appropriately. Check out our post on the best ways to donate clothing to ensure your items are put to good use.

Recycle

Unfortunately, textile recycling is still limited. Many places don’t have systems for recycling clothes, even though 95% of textiles could potentially be recycled. To learn more, check out our post on myths about textile recycling and what you can do to help.

Wear or Use at Home

Some items in your recycle pile might still have life left in them as cleaning rags or cozy loungewear. Remember, there’s no rule against dressing up at home—sometimes it’s just what you need to feel fabulous!

For Sale

Selling your clothes is one of the most satisfying ways to make sure they don’t end up in a landfill. Plus, you can earn a little cash while promoting sustainability. Check out online resale sites or local consignment shops to find your clothes a new home.

By managing your clothing thoughtfully after a closet detox, you’re not only keeping your space organized but also contributing to a more sustainable future. Every small step counts!